Expert: Irene Schwall - 3/21/2009

Question
Before I moved south, I had an old ivory colored sewing kit -approx.3-4 " long and 3 " wide. It it had a gold hinge and clasp. On it's upper lid was a painting(I actually thought it was more of a transfer for some reason) of what appeared to beladies in 18th century dresses and hairstyles -ringlets, lots of over skirts.etc) in very poor condition -flaking, with much of the picture gone -although the colors remained fairly bright.  Inside, there were gold-"colored" tiny ornate scissors, a thimble, an empty (what I assumed was) a needle case, and something else I can't remember. The handles appeared to have been attached, and the craftsmanship was very delicate -Although small, the pieces had a good heft to them -All of the pieces to the kit had their own fitted spaces.  The sewing kit hasn't turned up since the move - and I've always thought it might have been valuable -I am wondering if I should starta thorough search into all of the boxes we have stored in an effort to locate it?  I purchased it at a very nice estate sale in WPB many years ago.  Thank you for any help you may be able to give me.  I was never able to find a marking on the case OR on any of the implements.  I do remember that the hinge and the clasp appeared to have been gold colored- and well-worked as well.  It felt like quality -even as little as I know of these things.  Thank you for your time. - JIll Valkoun

Answer
Hello Jill,
Thank you for your query.  From your description, it sounds like a fitted sewing set or etui.  These are sometimes called necessaires. Without actually seeing the item and a full condition report it would be impossible for me to even begin to give you an idea of value.  The price of these sets depends on rarity, condition, do all the pieces match etc. Prices for these sets range all over the map depending on the above.
You might have missed any marks because if the set is French, the touchmarks (hallmarks) are very tiny.  When you find the set, take a good magnifier and look over the tools again.
Good luck in your search.
Regards,
Irene